The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today learned of the unexplained police detention of a Tibetan writer in Qinghai Province, in China’s remote north-west on April 23.
According to local reports, Tagyal, 45, was taken from his office by police to a Xining Prefecture police station, where he is still reportedly detained. His house was subsequently ransacked and his wife, Lhaso, interrogated.
According to Radio Free Asia, a bookstore owned by Lhaso was also searched by police on April 12, when they seized several copies of a Tibetan-language book written by Tagyal, as well as two computers and other personal documents.
The police then reportedly questioned Lhaso about the book and ordered her to close down the business.
Lhaso was again interrogated on April 25 at a police station two days after Tagyal’s detention.
Tagyal was detained less than a week after he signed an open letter urging people wishing to help victims of the April 14 earthquake in Yushu, Qinghai Province, to send food, clothing and medical supplies as well as money directly to trustworthy contacts.
The letter suggested that the Central Government’s relief efforts for earthquake survivors, many of whom are ethnic Tibetans, are not sufficient or clear from corruption.
It is unclear whether Tagyal’s detention is related to his book or signing of the letter.
“Under Article 35 of China’s Constitution, all individuals are guaranteed the right to free expression, regardless of their religious or ethnic background, or the content of their message,” IFJ General Secretary Aidan White said.
The IFJ urges the Qinghai provincial authorities to release Tagyal immediately, without conditions.
For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +612 9333 0919
The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 125 countries worldwide